Robinson rues costly turnovers

Andy Robinson
12 April 2012

Head coach Andy Robinson was frustrated as Scotland lost 34-21 to France to suffer defeat on the opening RBS 6 Nations weekend yet again and extend their poor record in Paris.

Maxime Medard's converted third-minute try meant the visitors were always chasing the game. Alastair Kellock and Kelly Brown's close-range tries followed by Sean Lamont's late score - all converted by Dan Parks - were ultimately in vain as Scotland lost on the opening weekend for the 11th time in 12 tournaments.

Robinson said: "I was delighted with the attitude that was shown and the way we went out to play the game, but we're here to win Test matches and we've got to have a ruthless edge about the way that we play. For France to score four tries from our turnovers is not good enough."

He added: "If we can show the composure on the ball and still play with the same attitude we will be a good side."

France, who had lost three of their previous five Tests since securing the Grand Slam last spring, quickly recovered their confidence following a 59-16 mauling by Australia last November to state their ambitions of retaining their title.

After Medard's early score, the hosts claimed more tries through a penalty try, Imanol Harinordoquy and Damien Traille, with Morgan Parra kicking two conversions, Dimitri Yachvili two conversions and a penalty and Francois Trinh-Duc a drop goal.

Robinson added: "They dominated us at the scrum and in their attacking play from turnovers. Their counter attack was very fast and very skilful. If you give them the freedom that we gave them from our turnovers they are a fantastic side; it was shown there."

Les Bleus coach Marc Lievremont had come under pressure following the loss to Australia and was relieved with the victory.

Lievremont said: "This is exactly the kind of match we were expecting, I'm very happy. It was a victory first of all and you can imagine it wasn't easy preparation.

"We did master this game but we must admit we had a few mistakes which the Scots were able to take advantage of. The Scots were always in the game, even though we were ahead."

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